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Mn12Casual Contributor
I can't stop overthinking about work, even after hours I am thinking about my job and what I need to do the next day and that sinking feeling I am going to get fired although no one has spoken to me about this, how do you wind down and take your mind off work?
In response to: Managing work and anxiety
Shaz51Senior Contributor
hello and hugs @Mn12
sending you understanding hugs as my husband who has bipolar 11 and other diagnosis finds it very hard to unwind
have you got a coping box , hobbies that you like to help you xx
@Bunniekins, @Appleblossom , @eth , @Faith-and-Hope , @Maggie , @NatureLover , @frog , @Judi9877 , @jem80 , @Dadcaringalone , @BPDSurvivor
In response to: Managing work and anxiety
MaggieSenior Contributor
@Mn12 Welcome.
I have an overactive mind, and I find it hard to wind down. I don’t work now, but I still get caught in the whirlwind of my mind.
Are there things you enjoy ? Like listening to music. A shower. A tv program. I like to paint, it help me to focus and turn down the mind volume.
We have a few threads that might help.
The Community Garden 🙂 . Some lovely pics.
Dogs Rock 😆 if you like dogs
Something that made me smile today or helped me to breathe a little easier for a bit.
Just some suggestions. Take care.
In response to: Managing work and anxiety
BPDSurvivorSenior Contributor
Hey @Mn12 ,
Thank you for your post!
I work a pretty intense job. From the very beginning, I set my boundaries for work. I always said home is home. Home is NOT for work. I know things are a little different now with COVID and working from home, but I still believe boundaries make a difference.
Home should be a place of refuge. If you have family, it is for family time. When I was working from home, I made sure I was in a diffferent room to my bedroom so that as soon as work hours were complete, I shut up shop, including my brain (from work). When I was supposed to be working, it set a clear routine. For example, I didn't sleep in, nor crawl into bed during work hours.
I have now returned to work onsite. At the end of the day, I leave my laptop and my things at work so that my mind automatically switches to 'relax' when I get home. If I do per chance do work at home, I set a few hours and that's that.
This takes time to train your brain. I have always remembered: I WORK TO LIVE AND NOT LIVE TO WORK.
If you are constantly on edge, it lowers work performance, reduces quality of sleep and can bring on anxiety and depression. Work-life balance is key.
I also end each day with a short 5-10minutes of guided meditation using the Smiling Mind app.
All the best,
BPDSurvivor
In response to: Managing work and anxiety
frogSenior Contributor
It's hard @Mn12
My psych suggested having some sort of transition routine/marker when I get home.
I like to get out of work clothes, have a cup of tea and catch up on home emails.
He suggested meditation or pausing in the car to think of things that went right/that I'm grateful for from work before I close the car door and move on to home. Have to say that although I like the idea I haven't managed to implement it yet.
@Shaz51 @Maggie @BPDSurvivor
In response to: Managing work and anxiety
Overwhelmed1ofmNew Contributor
Have you tried meditation? I suffer from anxiety and severe depression. Meditation isn't as difficult as you think. I also listen to 528Hz while meditating. I personally have found peace in this. I have also had sweet and comforting dreams while playing this. It has also worked for many of my friends, it's worth a try. Hope this helps. B3 blessed xx
In response to: Re: Managing work and anxiety
MaggieSenior Contributor
@Overwhelmed1ofm Hi there. Welcome to the forums.
Its good to see you joining in. I hope to see you around.
In response to: Managing work and anxiety
Kess55Contributor
Hi @Mn12
I can relate to this one! My anxiety kicks into overdrive at night - thinking about projects, work the next day, the giant 'to-do' list and can also relate to the feeling of 'they are going to get rid of me / fire me' even though there is no evidence to support that is going to happen! A couple of strategies I use:
1. I just shared in another post on Top tips for COVID anxiety something that I like to do in the evenings when my anxiety is highest is watch Bob Ross paint along tutorials. I find them really soothing and distracting.
2. If there is a lot of work stuff on my mind I will sometimes write a list of everything I am worrying about so I know it's there for me for the next day, and I don't have to keep it all in my head.
3. I have a partner and talking to them about my work worries is sometimes helpful. Particularly getting a reality check on the 'I am going to get fired' unhelpful thoughts.
4. Mindfulness breathing awareness / grounding exercises right before bed. I use insight timer and this specific exercise, but there are loads of apps etc out there if you wanted to explore something that works for you.
I hope you can find some strategies that work for you. Great that you have reached out to the forum for ideas.
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Help us push aside the stigma and discrimination surrounding complex mental health and change the way people talk about, and care for, mental illness.
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